New Delhi: A recent workshop for children’s writers and authors, organised by the Institute of Study and Research Delhi (ISRD), highlighted the urgent need for quality Islamic literature for children and called for initiatives to train the youth and new generation in this endeavour.
Held at the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind conference hall here, the workshop was attended by over 50 research scholars and individuals interested in children’s literature, affiliated with institutions such as Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, NCERT, and the Education Department of the Delhi Government, with nearly half of the participants being women, some of whom have been working in the field of children’s literature for several decades. ISRD has been actively promoting Islamic thought and encouraging writing and authorship through various programmes since the last term.
Speaking on the occasion, renowned Muslim leader, spokesperson of the AIMPLB, and editor of Urdu monthly, Afkar-e-Milli, Dr Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, critically reviewed children’s Islamic literature under the title “Reimagining Children’s Islamic Literature: A Critical Analysis for Modern Needs.” He emphasised that today, the primary goal of acquiring knowledge and education has become mainly about obtaining good jobs and accumulating wealth, which fosters materialistic approach and attitudes among children. He stressed that education should focus on developing children into good human beings, ethical individuals, and righteous Muslims.
ISRD secretary Asif Iqbal, presented a survey conducted among 254 children in the area to understand their reading habits. Through a PowerPoint presentation, he highlighted key findings, noting that children demonstrate keen interest in reading books and still place high value on printed material. Both parents and teachers should adopt a positive and proactive role in fostering children’s reading habits. He pointed out that children tend to read more in Hindi and English compared to Urdu, indicating a need for special attention in this area, likely due to education in English schools.
While it is true that screen time on mobile devices reduces children’s reading time, authors and publishers should consider how to capture children’s attention through mobile platforms to make their content accessible. The survey revealed that children enjoy reading adventure stories, Islamic history, and fiction, with a particular interest in Islamic heroes in the current context. Parents provide children with books, and they often receive books as gifts. Notably, children are also purchasing books with their pocket money, which is commendable and should be encouraged further. There remains a significant preference for reading printed books compared to e-books and audiobooks.
However, the question persists: to what extent are we meeting the needs of children in the community? While it is a fact that children engage with online games, social media, and various internet content, they also recognise that books play an essential role in their lives, and they express a desire to read. They prefer simple and accessible language along with colourful, graphic books available at affordable prices. Authors and publishers should focus on these aspects.
In his presidential address, renowned Islamic scholar and author of more than 100 books, Dr Muhammad Raziul-Islam Nadvi, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, emphasised that children’s authors should keep three key principles in mind: (1) while writing stories, consider the tastes and psychology of children, subtly incorporating Islamic values, teachings, and culture into their works; (2) present credible material, particularly regarding Islam, and avoid incorrect or misleading information; (3) use very simple and accessible language.
Dr Raziul-Islam Nadvi noted that during the initial period of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, its members produced quality religious literature for children, but there has been a decline in this area over time. However, he affirmed that renewed attention is now being given to this vital aspect.
Renowned children’s author Mohammad Siraj Azeem, founder secretary of All India Adab-e-Atfal Society Delhi, delivered a lecture titled “Exploring Pluralistic Society and Its Impact on Children Amid Increasing Extremism.” He highlighted several factors contributing to extremist tendencies in children: 1) the destruction of the joint family system, 2) parents’ indifferent relationships and callous connections with their children, 3) uncontrolled technological advancements and excessive use of electronic gadgets, including mobile devices, by children, and 4) various pressures from parents, the environment, or technology.
Addressing the question of how tendencies towards violence arise in children, he urged parents to connect well with their children, give them ample attention, and focus on their all-round training and nurturing, as parents serve as crucial role models for their children, thus they should demonstrate the best conduct and behaviour.
The workshop commenced with welcoming remarks from Salimullah Khan, Delhi state president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. Following this, experts delivered insightful lectures on various aspects of children’s literature. Maulana Inamullah Falahi, associated with JIH Markazi Taleemi Board, spoke on “The Need and Importance of Children’s Literature in the Light of Islamic Values.” Dr Shadab Munawar Moosa, JIH Assistant Secretary, presented a lecture on “Understanding Stages of Cognitive and Intellectual Development in Children”.
Dr Faizan Shahid discussed “The Effects of Short Stories on the Psychological, Social, and Moral Growth of Children.”
The workshop consisted of three sessions, moderated by Noor-ul-Islam Rahmani, Naim Raza, and Muhammad Maaz. At the conclusion, all participants were awarded certificates.
